Sunday, 14 September, 2025
Renowned folk singer Farida Parveen has been placed on life support as her health continues to deteriorate, raising concerns among fans and the cultural community across Bangladesh.
Her son, Imam Nimeri, said doctors at Universal Medical College and Hospital decided to put her on ventilation support on Wednesday afternoon after her condition suddenly worsened. Farida had been transferred from intensive care with plans for cabin accommodation when her health sharply declined.
Ashish Kumar Chakraborty, managing director of the hospital, said, “Farida has been placed on a ventilator, which is generally referred to as life support. She cannot breathe on her own, and her blood oxygen levels have dropped. Her blood pressure is untraceable even after administering three medications. We cannot predict how long this condition will last.”
A Cultural Icon
Farida Parveen’s contributions to Bangladeshi music and culture are unparalleled. She began her career performing Nazrul songs and patriotic music before dedicating her life to Lalon’s songs, becoming one of the foremost interpreters of Lalon Giti. Her deep, soulful voice and emotive renditions have kept the spiritual and philosophical legacy of Lalon Shah alive for decades.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 1987, one of Bangladesh’s highest civilian honours. Internationally, she received the Fukuoka Asian Culture Award from the Japanese government in 2008. She has also lent her voice to films, winning the National Film Award for Best Playback Singer in 1993.
To ensure Lalon’s music reaches future generations, Farida established the Achin Pakhi Music Academy 16 years ago. The academy has nurtured young talent and promoted folk music nationwide. However, her ongoing health challenges have made it difficult for the institution to operate sustainably, with expenses outweighing income and the lack of a permanent building posing further challenges.
Farida Parveen’s illness has sent ripples of concern through Bangladesh’s cultural community and her vast fan base. Her lifelong dedication to folk music, particularly Lalon Giti, has made her a symbol of Bangladesh’s rich musical heritage. As she battles this critical health crisis, supporters, fellow musicians, and admirers are hoping for her recovery, praying that the voice that has defined generations of folk music continues to resonate for years to come.
He added, “If her blood pressure stabilizes, there may be hope. If not, her heart could stop, which is what we call a heart attack, and at that point, there will be nothing we can do.”
Farida, 71, has long battled health issues, including kidney problems and diabetes, requiring regular dialysis. This marks her third hospitalisation this year. She was discharged on July 21 after a two-week stay and was recovering at home under strict medical supervision before being readmitted on September 2.
Earlier in February, she spent 13 days in the hospital due to breathing difficulties, and again in July, she was admitted to the ICU when BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited her and called for a medical board to oversee her treatment. BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia also inquired about her condition at the time.
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Renowned folk singer Farida Parveen has been placed on life support as her health continues to deteriorate, raising concerns among fans and the cultural community across Bangladesh.
Her son, Imam Nimeri, said doctors at Universal Medical College and Hospital decided to put her on ventilation support on Wednesday afternoon after her condition suddenly worsened. Farida had been transferred from intensive care with plans for cabin accommodation when her health sharply declined.
Ashish Kumar Chakraborty, managing director of the hospital, said, “Farida has been placed on a ventilator, which is generally referred to as life support. She cannot breathe on her own, and her blood oxygen levels have dropped. Her blood pressure is untraceable even after administering three medications. We cannot predict how long this condition will last.”
A Cultural Icon
Farida Parveen’s contributions to Bangladeshi music and culture are unparalleled. She began her career performing Nazrul songs and patriotic music before dedicating her life to Lalon’s songs, becoming one of the foremost interpreters of Lalon Giti. Her deep, soulful voice and emotive renditions have kept the spiritual and philosophical legacy of Lalon Shah alive for decades.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 1987, one of Bangladesh’s highest civilian honours. Internationally, she received the Fukuoka Asian Culture Award from the Japanese government in 2008. She has also lent her voice to films, winning the National Film Award for Best Playback Singer in 1993.
To ensure Lalon’s music reaches future generations, Farida established the Achin Pakhi Music Academy 16 years ago. The academy has nurtured young talent and promoted folk music nationwide. However, her ongoing health challenges have made it difficult for the institution to operate sustainably, with expenses outweighing income and the lack of a permanent building posing further challenges.
Farida Parveen’s illness has sent ripples of concern through Bangladesh’s cultural community and her vast fan base. Her lifelong dedication to folk music, particularly Lalon Giti, has made her a symbol of Bangladesh’s rich musical heritage. As she battles this critical health crisis, supporters, fellow musicians, and admirers are hoping for her recovery, praying that the voice that has defined generations of folk music continues to resonate for years to come.
He added, “If her blood pressure stabilizes, there may be hope. If not, her heart could stop, which is what we call a heart attack, and at that point, there will be nothing we can do.”
Farida, 71, has long battled health issues, including kidney problems and diabetes, requiring regular dialysis. This marks her third hospitalisation this year. She was discharged on July 21 after a two-week stay and was recovering at home under strict medical supervision before being readmitted on September 2.
Earlier in February, she spent 13 days in the hospital due to breathing difficulties, and again in July, she was admitted to the ICU when BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited her and called for a medical board to oversee her treatment. BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia also inquired about her condition at the time.
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